Include text in ForXMLPath query in SQL Server - sql-server

Question

I want to include a line (simple text) in ForXMLPath query as
<Cat>
but I am having difficulties.
When I try it brings in weird characters with it.
Please help.
Thanks.
select
'<Cat>'
I expect this
<Cat>
but it displays below
<Cat>

Answer 1

I must admit, that your question is not clear...
XML is not just some text with fancy extras, but a very strictly organised text based container for data.
A simple SELECT '<Cat>' would never return as <Cat> without a FOR XML somewhere in your query. So please show us a (reduced!) example of your full query and the expected output, best provided as MCVE (a stand-alone sample with DDL, sample data, own attempt and expected output).
Just some general remarks:
If you want to place <Cat> within your XML the whole output will be broken XML. This opening tag demands for a closing </Cat> (or - alternatively - a self-closing <Cat />)
Assumably you try to add out-written tags to your XML as you'd do it in XSLT, JS, ASP.Net or any other XML/HTML producing approach.
Assumably your solution will be a FOR XML PATH() approach without the need of an out-written tag within your XML.
Just to give you an idea:
SELECT 'test' AS [SomeElement] FOR XML PATH('SomeRowTag'),ROOT('SomeRootTag');
prouces this XML
<SomeRootTag>
<SomeRowTag>
<SomeElement>test</SomeElement>
</SomeRowTag>
</SomeRootTag>
If you want to add a <Cat> element you could use an XPath like here
SELECT 'test' AS [Cat/SomeElement] --<-- You can add nest-levels here!
FOR XML PATH('SomeRowTag'),ROOT('SomeRootTag');
The result
<SomeRootTag>
<SomeRowTag>
<Cat>
<SomeElement>test</SomeElement>
</Cat>
</SomeRowTag>
</SomeRootTag>